There’s nothing more frustrating than being falsely accused of a crime. Besides, getting arrested and charged with a criminal offense you know you didn’t commit may have some negative consequences. Aside from losing your freedom, you may be required to pay some hefty fines, deal with a criminal record, and other unfortunate situations. This is especially true if you’ll be convicted for the charges against you.
Because of these, knowing what to do after being falsely accused of a crime can be essential. It can make a huge difference in clearing your name and getting your normal life back in no time.
So, if you’ve been accused of a crime you didn’t commit, below are the four things you should do right away:
1. Seek Legal Representation
You may think you don’t need a lawyer to prove your innocence, but it is best to seek legal representation as soon as you’re falsely accused of a crime. They can protect your rights and best interests by developing a solid defense strategy in your favor.
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Moreover, your lawyer can help explain the seriousness of the false accusation against you and its potential consequences. They can also assess the facts of your case and determine the best course of action to take. For example, they can advise you to remain silent while you’re under custodial investigation waiting for them to arrive.
Hence, with a legal professional by your side, you can improve your chances of successfully proving your innocence and getting out of legal trouble immediately. On the other hand, if you’re still looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you may visit Criminal Law Group and other reputable firms to get more information.
2. Know How You Want To Proceed With The Case
Now that you have a lawyer by your side, the next is to figure out what options to take when proceeding with the case. The following are some options you may want to consider when you’re falsely accused of a criminal offense:
- Conduct a pre-file investigation: You may ask your lawyer to perform a pre-file inquiry before the prosecutor files a formal complaint against you. This investigation is designed to convince the prosecutor not to file charges due to inadequate supporting evidence.
- Take a private polygraph test: To increase your chances of getting your case dismissed, you may request a private polygraph test to show that you’re truthful about not committing a crime you’re falsely accused of. A polygraph is a device designed to measure biological changes when answering questions. The examiner can use the findings of the polygraph test to know whether you’re telling the truth.
- Initiate a lawsuit for malicious prosecution: If you strongly believe you’re not guilty of the crime charged against you, you can file a lawsuit. However, in doing so, you need to prove that you didn’t commit the crime and that you’re innocent.
- Enter into a plea bargain: If your lawyer believes it’s in your best interests, you may enter into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecutor. With a plea bargain, you plead guilty to a lesser offense instead of risking a possible conviction. Although it seems so unjust, your lawyer may sometimes advise you to enter into a plea bargain to avoid a harsher sentence and more serious legal consequences.
It’s best to discuss these options with your lawyer before deciding how you’ll proceed with the case.
3. Collect Evidence
If you’re falsely accused of any crime, you need to present pieces of evidence to prove your innocence. For example, you were charged with driving under the influence (DUI). In this case, immediately seek the assistance of your lawyer. Likewise, collect and preserve all necessary evidence to improve your odds of getting your case dismissed as soon as possible. These can include:
- Clothing and other items with fingerprints;
- Photo or video evidence to support your defense of alibi;
- Phone records and other documents relevant to your case;
- Witness testimonies and their contact information.
Collecting, preserving, and recording evidence, among other forms, are vital as they impact your criminal case throughout. Moreover, it ensures that your due process rights are fully observed.
4. Protect Yourself
As someone falsely accused of a crime, you’ll do everything to prove that you’re innocent. But sometimes, it’s best to entrust the legal work to your lawyer, and all you need to do is protect yourself by not doing the following:
- Destroying evidence: If there’s any evidence you think could harm you, do not destroy it. Instead, inform your lawyer about it. This way, they can create a strategy to help prove your innocence.
- Contacting the victim or witness: Doing this may only make you look more guilty as it intimidates the victim or witnesses more. When this happens, they’ll inform law enforcement about the visit, which can be used against you. Moreover, it can compromise your chances of getting acquitted from your case.
- Giving evidence without your lawyer: You should always talk to your lawyer before giving up any evidence. Likewise, without your lawyer’s knowledge and advice, it’s best to avoid consenting to conduct a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test.
Remember, doing these things could worsen your case more than help you. So, avoid them and always work with your lawyer.
Conclusion
Even if they’re false, criminal accusations can still affect your life mentally and emotionally. Hence, if you’ve been wrongfully accused of a crime, keep the information mentioned above in mind, so you’ll know what to do immediately. Knowing the right course of action may help you escape legal trouble and live your life again.
